A Winning Attitude

Erik Gray's journals

#journalgems

written August, 2015

 

One of my biggest realizations with cancer is that having a bad attitude isn’t going to help me in any way. In fact, the only thing that a bad attitude will do is make things worse. I’ve come to realize that cancer “is what it is”, but I’ll make the best with what I’ve been given. I’ve learned that it’s the reaction to adversity that defines character. Although it’s cliché, there is nothing false about the ideal that attitude is everything. For me, attitude is the number one indicator of who we are, how we react to adversity, and what we can become. A winning attitude will go a long way.

I Choose God

 

Erik Gray's journals

#journalgems

written by Erik, August 2015

Because of my experiences with cancer and student leadership, I know that people look at me constantly. 

I have made an effort to post uplifting pictures, quotes, and status'. 

Two years ago, I started a blog to write down all my cancer experiences and how they and the gospel have ultimately blessed my life. I've seen my blog reach many different parts of the country, as well as many countries around the world. 

I have come to understand that technology is a strong aspect of life today; what I put on my Facebook page matters. 

There is so much that can come from the internet, whether it be good or bad. 

By posting uplifting material on my blog and social media pages, I choose good; and by choosing good, I choose God.

Variety is the Spice of Life

 

Erik Gray's journals

#journalgems

Written August 2015

SwissGear Scholarship Essay: What Makes a Great Backpack
By Erik Gray

People are not meant to do the same thing day in and day out. No one that I know could work seven days a week for years on end. I could not eat the same food every day. In fact, I could not even eat the same food or more than one meal throughout the day. The bottom line: we need variety. We go to school, we work, we have a family, we play sports. What we do throughout the day is different, and that is the great truth about us. Variety is the spice of life.

Just like our human nature to crave variety, a good backpack is one that can be used for a variety of different activities. I wake up in the morning and grab my backpack that has my school supplies in it. After school, I empty it and put sports gear in it and head off to basketball practice. On Saturday, I’ll empty it [again] of whatever was in it and put in snacks, water bottles, and an extra pair of socks for my water hike today. Next week, I’ll be using it to pack my clothes for my weekend trip home. From laptop to sweaty basketball socks to hiking gear- the best backpack can be used for anything, anytime.